CDCP
The Government of Canada has introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), as part of its objective to make dental care more accessible and affordable.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Government of Canada has introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), as part of its objective to make dental care more accessible and affordable for those who might not otherwise be able to afford the care needed to maintain good oral health.
How Does It Work?
Scheduled to begin covering treatment in May 2024, the CDCP is a publicly funded dental benefit for those with an annual household income under $90,000 and no private dental insurance. The plan covers a portion of the cost of an enrolled patient's oral health treatments to prevent and treat oral disease which, in turn, can protect against serious health problems.
How Can I Apply for the CDCP?
Application periods are staggered between December 2023 and 2025. As of May 2024, seniors 65+ can apply online or over the phone. How To Apply
Who qualifies for the CDCP?
Anyone wishing to participate in this plan must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below. Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes. Filed an income tax return for the previous year. Do not have dental insurance through a private or pension plan or with an employer. Have a net (after tax) family income of less than $90,000 annually. Applications for the CDCP are phased, beginning with seniors. Children under age 18 and those with disabilities are eligible starting June 2024. All other Canadian residents can apply starting in 2025.
How much will the CDCP cover?
The CDCP has developed their own fee guide, which determines the fees the CDCP will pay for services covered under the plan. These fees can differ from provincial or territorial fee guides. Not all patients will receive complete financial assistance through the CDCP due to required co-payments, so it is important to ask about costs not covered by the plan. These co-payments are the portion of treatment costs you would be expected to cover out of pocket, and the percentage is determined by your family's net annual income shown on the previous year's tax return.
How can people apply?
If you are a senior (age 65 or older), there is no need to do anything, as you will receive a letter with instructions on applying and an application code. You can then apply over the phone by following the instructions included in the letter. If you are eligible but haven't received a letter, check the mailing address used for your 2022 tax filing is current. If your address is out of date, you will need to contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to update it. From May 2024, people can apply online. At the time of writing, no information is available on applying online.
How will I receive confirmation of my CDCP enrollment?
Once you have applied, Health Canada will confirm your eligibility and share your information with Sun Life to enroll you in the plan. You will receive a welcome package from Sun Life within three months of your application, which will include: The start date of your coverage. Your CDCP card. Information about the CDCP Plan and Coverage. Once enrolled, you must meet the eligibility requirements each subsequent year with an annual reassessment. Details about the reassessment process have yet to be released.
Which dental services are covered?
The CDCP covers oral health services designed to prevent and treat oral disease and to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Services that are covered when recommended by a dental professional can include the following listed below. Diagnostic services. Dental X-rays. Preventive services. Periodontal services. Restorative services. Endodontic services. Prosthodontic services. Oral surgery services.
Which services are not covered by the CDCP?
Coverage under the CDCP is limited to basic services that protect and preserve natural teeth so people can benefit from teeth that function properly. Many people have missing teeth or teeth that are failing and need removing. When this is the case, the CDCP includes the provision of removable dentures, allowing people to eat and talk effectively. The plan is not designed to improve the overall appearance of teeth or provide purely aesthetic benefits. It also excludes more complex treatments. Treatments not considered for coverage under the CDCP include those listed below.